Onslow teen aims to provide mowers for wounded veterans

Saturday

May 4, 2013 at 10:15 AM

After tragedy hit close to home, a Richlands teen has decided to make a difference.

By Thomas BrennanJacksonville Daily News

After tragedy hit close to home, a Richlands teen has decided to make a difference – one lawn at a time.“My friend Nick lost his father, and then his stepdad stepped on an improvised explosive device and lost his legs,” 16-year-old Gregory Brown III said. “He mentioned he needed a zero-turn mower but couldn’t afford it.”Brown began Greg’s Lawn and Landscape at the age of 11. From May 1 through May 8 he will donate all proceeds from his work to the purchase of zero-turn lawnmowers for wounded veterans. Brown cuts from five to 11 lawns per week but is hoping to cut upwards of 30 per day during the first week of May.“Many things are overlooked when it comes to wounded warriors,” Brown said. “Their houses and car are retrofitted, but other areas of their lives need to be adapted too. Things like mowers are a necessity for them also, not just houses and cars. Things like this truly help them out with their independence.”Zero-turn mowers offer those with only arms the opportunity to independently take care of their lawns, whereas regular mowers require legs and arms to operate, Brown said.“If I’m able to do 30 lawns per day I’d make $1,050 per day, which after expenses should net me roughly $4,800 for the entire week,” Brown said. “We’re hoping whoever we buy the mowers from will help us buy at least two.”Ideally, Brown wants to help at least five people with his project, he said.“One of the hopes with this project is to make major lawnmower companies aware of the needs of handicapped people,” Brown said. “It’s my biggest hope that they’ll come out with a wounded warrior edition mower.”Brown’s father, Gregory Brown II, 39, said he couldn’t be more proud of his son.“I try to encourage him as much as possible and try not to stifle his independence,” he said. “He doesn’t profit financially from any of this,” he said. “It’s good to see he is helping other people – those who served our country.”

To make a donation, participate or schedule lawn maintenance, contact Gregory Brown III at (937) 532-9394.